Sautéed Spinach and Mushroom Salad with Toasted Almonds
Delicate baby spinach and earthy mushrooms sautéed and topped with crunchy toasted almonds for a warm paleo salad. This mediterranean-inspired paleo (paleo, vegetarian) ready in about 18 minutes pairs baby spinach, cremini mushrooms, sliced, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown.
- Step 3: Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are browned and tender.
- Step 4: Add 6 cups baby spinach to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just wilted.
- Step 5: Season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, then remove from heat.
- Step 6: Transfer to serving bowl, drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds on top for a satisfying crunch.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Spinach and Mushroom Salad with Toasted Almonds take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (8 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Spinach and Mushroom Salad with Toasted Almonds?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep baby spinach from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Spinach and Mushroom Salad with Toasted Almonds?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sautéed Spinach and Mushroom Salad with Toasted Almonds for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Sautéed Spinach and Mushroom Salad with Toasted Almonds paleo?
Yes — this recipe is tagged paleo, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Easy and delicious. My kids even ate the spinach!
- ★★★★★
This was a hit at my dinner party! The almonds added the perfect crunch.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the flavors, but it was slightly bland for my taste. Next time I'll add more garlic.